You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back. ~William D. Tammeus
Having truly involved parents means that for all the turns, both easy and difficult, someone is there
Having someone who is always there and involved can be a tall order in my district.
Single parenthood is the norm, and about 12% of the children under age 5 are living in poverty. In my school building, 83% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunches and breakfasts.
My children come to me from many different places, and my program meets the needs of families who are living in poverty, have a child with a speech or language delay, behavior disorder or suspected disability. The goals of my program are to promote an educational link between home and school, increase graduation rates, and meet the needs of learners who have been identified as "at risk."
Every day I have the opportunity to work with "my kids," and once a month I have this chance with families. Each month families come in for a literacy activity. During this time I teach them literacy skills like how to read with their child, how to interact positively and how important they are as their child's "first teacher."
My Project
It is essential for these parents to understand the role they play in their child's education. These backpacks help link the learning their child does at school with home. Each of the 16 backpacks covers essential Pre-K skills like counting, numbers, opposites, and shapes.
These families have no extra money for educational materials. These backpacks come with a book, a guide for parents on using the book, and 2 hands on activities for families to do with their student. The backpacks will be introduced and demonstrated at one of our monthly parent activities. Each family will receive a backpack to take home as homework. When the bag returns and new one will be issued.
These bags will help us reach our program goals by getting parents involved, providing them with a connection to school, and addressing the children's early learning needs. If we can make this impact on parental responsibility now, it will only help our goal of a 100% graduation rate to become a reality.
Parents are our students first teachers.
However, the parents in my district are often at disadvantage. Educational materials are expensive and many parents don't know how to interact educationally with their children. These backpacks will provide a solid foundation of materials and direction for my families.
By funding these backpacks you will be helping children and families who are in need. Please help me in helping families that might not otherwise have a chance.
Thank you:)
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Johnson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.